Sony Pictures has just released the first trailer forSaturday Night,Jason Reitman’s highly anticipated film aboutthe tumultuous origins of NBC’s iconic sketch showSaturday Night Live(SNL). The film, set for an October 11 theatrical release, offers an inside look at the chaos and creativity that characterized the moments leading up toSNL’s first broadcast on June 07, 2025. The trailer captures the frenetic energy of the final 90 minutes beforeSNL’s premiere. It features a tense exchange between series creatorLorne Michaels(Gabriel LaBelle) and NBC executiveDick Ebersol(Cooper Hoffman).
Ebersol, skeptical of the show’s potential, says, “Lorne, 90 minutes of live television by a group of 20-year-olds who have never made anything? Do you ever stop and wonder why they said yes [to] a counterculture show starring total unknowns, with zero narrative and even less structure? They want you to fail.” Michaels’ response, “We just have to make it to air,” encapsulates the determination and pressure that fueled the show’s inception.
The story ofSNL’s creation is as dramatic as the sketches themselves. The week leading up to the premiere was fraught with challenges. Many sketches were cut for reasons of taste and decency, and there was a constant fear of live television mishaps. Reitman andGil Kenanwrote the screenplay, drawing from extensive interviews with original cast members, writers, and crew. The film aims to authentically portray the birth of a cultural phenomenon that is now heading into its 50th season. Reitman,Kenan, Jason Blumenfeld,andPeter Riceare producers on the film, withErica MillsandJoAnn Perritanoserving as executive producers.
Who Is in ‘Saturday Night’?
The cast ofSaturday Nightbrings to life the legendary figures who were part of SNL’s early days.Dylan O’Brienstars as Dan Aykroyd,Lamorne Morrisas Garrett Morris,Cory Michael Smithas Chevy Chase,Matt Woodas John Belushi,Ella Huntas Gilda Radner,Emily Fairnas Laraine Newman, andKim Matulaas Jane Curtin. Other notable cast members includeWillem Dafoeas David Tebet,Nicholas Braunas Jim Henson,Matthew Rhysas George Carlin,Kaia Gerberas Jacqueline Carlin,J.K. Simmonsas Milton Berle,Jon Batisteas Billy Preston,Andrew Barth Feldmanas Neil Levy,Naomi McPhersonas Janis Ian, andFinn Wolfhardas an NBC page.
Mark your calendars forSaturday Night’s October 11 release and get ready to experience the chaos, creativity, and comedy that launched a television revolution. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates and exclusive content as the release date approaches. In the meantime,SNLis available to stream on Peacock.
A famous guest host stars in parodies and sketches created by the cast of this witty show.
Watch on Peacock
